Opening speech by Foreign Minister Wadephul at the Berlin Peace Dialogue 2026

Dear Dr. Leininger, dear Mr. von Borries, When a country returns to peace after a war, it is not simply because the guns have fallen silent.  Of course, that marks the end of physical destruction, but not necessarily the end of internal conflicts. To achieve a just and lasting peace, more is required than a mere cessation of hostilities.  In December 2024, the Assad regime finally came to an end – after a brutal 14-year war against the Syrian people.  One that we in Germany followed very closely. Because we have a profound interest in the fate of Syria.  Not least because over a million people from Syria have found refuge in Germany and for many of them, Germany has become their new home.   But also because, as Europeans, we have a strategic interest in the long-term stability and reconstruction of the Syrian state. Building a statehood that guarantees security, freedom and a life in dignity is an immense task. As a lawyer by training, I am convinced of this:  There can be no peace without justice and no justice without accountability. When we talk about dealing with the massive human rights violations of the past in order for a country to emer...